Watch Notting Hill
- PG-13
- 1999
- 2 hr 4 min
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7.2 (351,109)
Notting Hill is a romantic comedy film released in 1999, directed by Roger Michell and written by Richard Curtis. It stars Hugh Grant as William Thacker, a charming but hapless British bookshop owner, and Julia Roberts cast as Anna Scott, the world famous Hollywood actress. William Thacker is a simple man leading a routine life in Notting Hill, London. He owns a small travel bookstore and spends his days attending to customers and spending time with his quirky group of friends. One day, his life is turned upside down when he bumps into Anna Scott, who is in the neighborhood filming a movie. Anna's presence creates a buzz amongst the locals, and William feels like he's hit the jackpot when she walks into his bookstore.
The two immediately hit it off, but their relationship is complicated by their differing lifestyles. William is a reserved, unlucky-in-love man who's been hurt before, while Anna is a glamorous movie star, who has never been able to experience a normal relationship due to her international fame. Despite several attempts to set boundaries and maintain their distance, they find themselves inevitably drawn to each other.
As the story unfolds, William's friends and family are introduced, including his quirky Welsh roommate Spike, played by Rhys Ifans. Through them, we learn more about his character and his relationships. Anna, meanwhile, grapples with her feelings, uncertain about whether to pursue a relationship with a mere mortal when her career appears to be taking off.
The film takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster as the characters navigate the trials and tribulations of their relationship. The audience is treated to comic moments, like when William's friends try to impress Anna with their supposed connections to celebrity culture. There are also tender, romantic moments, such as when a lovesick William travels to Anna's press junket in an attempt to win her back.
Overall, Notting Hill is a romantic comedy that manages to be charming, witty, and heartwarming all at once. The chemistry between the two leads, Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, is palpable and feels effortless. Their charmingly awkward, yet endearing interactions make the audience root for them to end up together.
The film is also a love letter to Notting Hill, a colorful and multicultural area of London. The neighborhood is captured in all its vibrancy, portrayed as a place where people from all walks of life live and work together.
The supporting cast, comprising of Richard McCabe, Tim McInnerny, Henry Goodman, and Dylan Moran, all deliver stellar performances, providing the perfect balance of comedy and drama. Rhys Ifans's portrayal of Spike, William's roommate, is especially noteworthy. He adds the necessary dose of humor to the film, providing comic relief whenever needed.
The film's soundtrack, composed by Trevor Jones, features classic songs that beautifully complement the story's romantic and comedic moments. Elvis Costello's rendition of "She" is particularly memorable, playing over the final credits.
In conclusion, Notting Hill is a delightful romantic comedy that has stood the test of time. With its charming performances, gorgeous setting, and witty dialogue, it is a must-watch for anyone looking for a heartwarming feel-good movie.
Notting Hill is a 1999 romance movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 68.